Montgomery Philanthropists Honored

MONTGOMERY, TX -- When it comes to recognition for philanthropy, Jack and Mary McClahan, a couple so devoted to the cause of honoring Veterans and their sacrifices, do a great job when it comes to avoiding accolades for all they do for the community. But they were finally cornered, in their own home, at an annual Christmas and Toys for Tots Party of their own making, inviting many of the Veterans and friends that they support throughout the year. Jack and Mary met in a disagreement over buying World War II Veterans beer and ice cream nearly 16 years ago, and the rest is history.

Jack McClanahan nevered served in the military. Not everyone is able or apt to, since we all have our parts to play in life. But Jack’s Service to Veterans is much more important than any service he would have been able to provide in uniform. It allowed him to dream, and become a self-made man, the type of man that after a long and successful career, allows him to give back to a cause. His cause, Veterans. When McClanahan heard of a group of WWII Veterans needing a space to gather well over a decade ago, he jumped into action and offered room at his 105 Storage business. At first, coffee and donuts were served. Then Jack got with Buster Bowers of Vernon’s Country Catfish, and he started providing breakfast on occasion. As word got out and groups numbers grew to include Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, and War on Terror Veterans. The gathering grew so large it was moved to the Poplar Business Park on Old 105, and more restaurants joined the fray, with Kuntry Katfish Katering, Pizza Shack, Amore, Rudy’s, and the Conroe Service League providing breakfast on a revolving basis.

When Jack heard of an Honor Flight venture started by Montgomery Junior High teacher Brenda Beaven, to ferry WWII Veterans to see the Memorial built in their Honor in Washington, D.C.; he jumped at the chance, and through his vast efforts, and gathered support, Beaven and McClanahan were able to send over 500 World War II Veterans to see the monument built in their honor. And so The Lone Star Honor Flight Veterans Group was born. Sadly, many WWII Veterans have passed away, but there are two centenarian Veterans, Bob Putnam, 106, and George Waters, 103, who still frequent the meetings every week, which is unique across the nation, as the only weekly Veterans Breakfast gathering.

Jack McClanahan was recently honored by VFW Post 12223 in Montgomery, for his service to the community, as well as the ‘Community Builder Award’ given by Oak Wood Masonic Lodge #1444, for their contributions and support to the Veterans of Montgomery County.

“Jack and Mary McClanahan have been an inspiration to me and my family,” said Darrell May, who oversees the Poplar Business Park operations for The McClanahans, and is also a Navy Veteran. “Their devotion and dedication to Veterans is extraordinary and deserves the greatest of recognition for all that they do.”

The Veterans gathering place now contains a museum and records of all the WWII Honor Flights that were flown to the Washington D.C. memorial. Now dedicated to Brenda Beavens, the public is welcome to visit as long as they make an appointment. Please call (936) 777-9002, if you or a group would like to visit the museum.